Michigan Democrats look toward a future that some hope includes Pete Buttigieg

MONROE, Mich. — In a packed union hall outside Detroit, a worker shifts the conversation from policy to the personal, quizzing Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on his knowledge of Michigan, the state he only recently started calling home. But the casual exchange illustrates the challenge Buttigieg may face in proving his connection to Michigan voters — a hurdle some Democrats nevertheless hope he’ll take on by entering a crowded governor’s race. Many view this as a serious situation where Mike Duggan could put the governor’s mansion in the hands of Republicans and roll back years of progress,” said Andrew Feldman, a Democratic strategist who has worked for the state party. While Whitmer — herself the subject of speculation about whether she’ll seek higher office — still has two years remaining in her term, Duggan’s surprise move has kick-started the race to replace her and has left Democrats worried the mayor of Michigan’s largest city could drain support from their candidate and hand the office over to Republicans. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson confirmed last week that she is “certainly considering” a gubernatorial bid and is actively listening to voters’ concerns as she weighs her decision.